We had a chance to chat with both design teams, and here’s what they had to say about their winning projects!

People’s Choice Winner: Karin H. Edwards Interiors

What is your favorite part of being a designer?

“I honestly believe that improving surroundings has real benefits. I’ve seen how the right design can build confidence, spark imaginations or put people immediately at ease. And, I love the nuts and bolts of the doing. It’s always about collaboration — with craftspeople, with manufacturers, retailers and, most of all, the people using the room.”

Could you share some background on the project featured in your photo?

“It’s my own master bath and a labor of love. The paneling is meant to give it a dressing room feel and link to the bedroom’s closet doors, which explains the choice of chandelier over the tub. Because the room is open to bedroom, I needed to create a powerful vista.”

Is lighting an important element of your designs? Why or why not?

“It’s critical. Anyone who says paint is the quickest changeup is wrong. Lighting draws the first notice, often unconsciously. It’s the invitation, and it’s the best way to build drama.”

Lightology Winner: Frye Gillan Molinaro Architects

What is your favorite part of being a designer?
“Getting to generate and share positive energy from the designs that we create. Design is about communication and sharing of thoughts with other people. It’s most satisfying when your results are truly appreciated — you know you have done your job well.”

What is your/your firm’s design philosophy?
“We believe in a blend of simplicity and whimsy. If a design becomes too complicated, it loses its “thrust” and effectiveness. A clear concept usually wins out over trying to do more than necessary. It’s important to have some aspect of expressiveness there too — so that you can use space and light as a canvas. Whimsy can represent a number of things as you can be loose or intellectual about it — it’s all about how you choose to execute it.”

Could you share some background on the project featured in your photo?
“This photo represents a metamorphic culmination. We took what was once a non-descript, uninspired shed in the woods and made it into something that has a strong identity. The original raw space (with no interior finishes, light fixtures, or even mechanical system) was completely transformed into a hip loft space. It came together very quickly from a design standpoint but fleshing out the details took a bit more time.”

What made you choose these fixtures?
“We took a walking trip to Lightology to get inspiration for the lighting, and originally we had only planned to scout out some sconces for the walls. Upon seeing the LED system featured in the showroom, we knew that we had to integrate that fixture into the design to add another dimension to the “mood” of the space. The idea of color splashing against the ceiling using beam-mounted LED lighting was something that we knew would be an instant conversation piece.”